This Sharpie Tie Dye T-Shirt Activity for Kids is sure to be a favorite summer activity! I love that it doesn’t make a huge mess like dye usually would. Your kids will be able to use their creativity to create whatever tie dye design they like!
There is an easy set of instructions at the bottom of this post, but I’m also sharing step-by-step directions for Sharpie Tie Dye T-Shirt Activity for Kids if you’d rather check out the step-by-step pictures. Sometimes when doing a craft or activity, I really like to see the step-by-step photos
Do you have an option for younger kids?
This could easily be done outside, too, if your kiddos are younger and you don’t want them using permanent markers in the house!
What other tie dye projects can my kids make?
If you’re looking for other tie dye activities for kids, check out this Tie Dye Cloud Dough, how to Tie Dye Shoes, or how to make Tie Dye Art with Baby Wipes!
Step-By-Step Instructions (With Photos):
First, gather all of your Sharpies together. Let your children choose all of their favorite colors for their Tie Dye T-Shirt Activity.
Next, gather the rest of your supplies.
Supplies Needed
White 100% Cotton T-Shirt You don’t have to use a brand new shirt. It seems we always have extra white shirts in the back of drawers, and I am sure you do, too!
Plastic Cup You can use any type of plastic cups, but I am sure the heavy plastic Solo-style cups would work the best!
Rubber Band I found an entire package of rubber bands for about a dollar at my local store. You’ll need anywhere from 3-12 rubber bands per shirt, depending on how much of the shirt you want to cover with tie dye. I really like the three sections near the shoulder of the shirt like we made!
Sharpie Markers These days, there are so many different colors of sharpie markers! You’ll need a package of the brightly colored ones!
91% Rubbing Alcohol in a Spray Bottle This is what makes the sharpie colors look like tie dye!
First as you make your Sharpie Tie Dye T-Shirt Activity for Kids, you’ll need to stretch the shirt over the cup and hold it in place with a rubber band. Place all the cups on the shirt first before you begin designing the tie dye with Sharpies.
After you have the cups secured, it’s time to design your tie dye! On my shirt, we used this style of drawing, but if you scroll down a bit, you can see the many options for color placement.
After you have your design how you want it on your Sharpie Tie Dye Shirt, spray it with the rubbing alcohol to see all the colors run together to create the tie dye design. (This is my favorite part!)
As you can see, there are so many options for how you can color a design with the markers.
Here is the finished product! For this shirt, we used three cups, but your kiddos may want to fill their entire shirt with color!
If you’re looking for a festive snack to make while your kiddos create these Sharpie Tie Die T-Shirts, you could try your hand at these Tie Dye S’Mores, whip up a Tie Dye Naked Cake, or even this Colorful Tie Dye Pancakes Recipe!!
Do I have to use 91% Rubbing Alcohol?
Yes, it does help to use 91% rubbing alcohol. I have found that this works best to make the colors look like tie dye and also so it doesn’t wash out!
Can I use an old t-shirt!
Of course, you can use an old t-shirt! That’s what I did and it worked just fine. I would be sure that the t-shirt is still bright white, though, so the tie dye colors are still brilliant and true!
Sharpie Tie Dye T-Shirt Activity for Kids
This no-mess tie dye activity for kids is sure to be a favorite! Kids can customize their design with both different colors and shapes of tie-dye!
Materials
- White 100% Cotton T-Shirt
- Plastic Cup
- Rubber Band
- Sharpie Markers
- 91% Rubbing Alcohol in a Spray Bottle
Tools
- Spray Bottle
Instructions
- Stretch t-shirt over the top edge of a plastic cup and secure with a rubber band.
- Color a design with several colors of Sharpies with sharpies on the shirt.
- Pour the rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and spritz liberally onto the marker design.
- Repeat process over the area of the shirt you would like to have a tie dye design.
- Let dry completely.
- Remove cups from shirt and hand wash only before wearing.
Notes
Be sure to let the shirt dry completely before removing from cups.
